This gateway, named Pukaki after a Ngati Whakaue ancestor, stood at the southern end of Pukeroa Pa on the hill above Ohinemutu at Rotorua.
In the 1830s, the Ngati Whakaue people of Pukeroa fortified their pa in preparation for an attack by Te Waharoa and his Ngati Haua warriors. Only three entrances were left through the palisades that surrounded the hill. Each of these entrances was guarded by an ancestor figure carved on the gateway. Pukaki guarded the southern entrance, Tiki was to the north and Panui-o-Marama stood over the eastern gate.
Pukaki holds his two children on his chest, with his wife below. The lower portion of the carving and the sides of the opening have been lost. When complete the original gateway stood about 5 or 6 metres high.
Pukaki is now housed in the Galleria of the Council Administration Building.
In early 2002 the Crown established the Pukaki Trust. The Trust which consists of the Rt Hon Judith Tizard in her role as Associate Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage also includes the Mayor of Rotorua, the Chair of Auckland War Memorial Museum and a Kaumatua from Ngati Whakaue/Ngati Pukaki. They are charged with the guardianship of the taonga Pukaki.
A conservation report has been received by the Trust and steps taken to establish a regular regime of care to ensure the ongoing protection of Pukaki.